Sentenced To Life In Stabbing Death Of Teenage Girlfriend's Father

Sentenced To Life In Stabbing Death Of Teenage Girlfriend's Father

Twenty-year-old Jason Bulmer pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the death of 58-year-old Dennis Lane. He was sentenced Monday in Howard County Circuit Court (WBAL TV Image)

Howard County Police booking photo

Exactly five months after pleading guilty to the murder of his girlfriend's father, Jason Bulmer learned his sentence on Monday.

Bulmer received a life sentence with all but 30 years suspended in the fatal stabbing of 58-year-old Dennis Lane, Morgan Arnold's father.

Bulmer, 20, pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree murder in February.

Just before receiving his sentence, Bulmer said he was sorry for killing Lane saying, "I wish in my heart I didn’t do it because it hurt a lot of people."

Prosecutors wanted a sentence of life with parole, while the defense had asked for life with all but 20 years suspended, citing Bulmer’s learning disabilities and claiming that he was a follower.

The defense also called Bulmer redeemable and in a letter described how he was having terrible nightmares about killing Lane. It also said the sheer amount of blood haunts him and he wishes he had not killed a man.

The defense said no apology would be sufficient, but there is regret about the harm Bulmer caused.

"We're a bit relieved in Mr. Bulmer’s case that he’s got a sentence that we think shows some balance, and we know it’s a terrible tragedy for Dennis Lane’s family and we’re still extremely sorry about what he did to him and his family," Bulmer's attorney Jan Deboissiere said.

"I'm very disappointed in the sentencing. The thought of this young man possibly getting out of jail when he’s 42, 43, is frightening. I think he poses a danger, and Howard County going to be less safe once he’s out," Howard County State’s Attorney Dario Broccolino said.

Investigators said Lane was killed in his home in the 8100 block of Winding Ross Way in the Taylor Village neighborhood around 4:20 a.m. May 10, 2013.

Bulmer told police that Arnold's plan was for Bulmer to kill her father so the two could run away to California and that she told Bulmer to stab her father 10 times in the throat and his significant other, Denise Geiger, 15 times while they were sleeping.

When he asked her why, according to charging documents, she said, "I have my reasons and I'll tell you later."

Arnold is expected to head to court next week to determine if her case should be moved to juvenile court.